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New sewer system commissioned
Solwezi, June 7, 2013, ZANIS……….Government says the commissioning of the Decentralized Waste Water System (DEWATS) in Solwezi will bring about improved sanitation conditions in the local townships and contribute to the country attaining some millennium development goals.
Traditional and Chiefs Affairs deputy minister Susan Kawandami also says poor investment in the water sector has contributed to inadequate service delivery and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure in the country.
Ms Kawandami says it is for this reason that government undertook water reforms in 2000 which to led to the formation of commercial utilities in order to improve water and sanitation services throughout the country.
Ms Kawandami was speaking in Solwezi today when she officially commissioned the Kandundu waste water treatment system constructed by North Western Water Supply And Sanitation Company with funding from the Devolution Trust Fund.
Ms Kawandami said government is pleased to witness the commissioning of the system in Kandundu township as the initiative will assist the community in managing sewer waste and improve the environment.
She commended the devolution trust fund, a wing a under the National Water And Sanitation Council Of Zambia (NWASCO) for financing the project at a cost of KR2.2 million to benefit 800 people from 120 households in the area.
Ms Kawandami said the setting up of the system is a plus for the province as it will set a good example in tackling sanitation problems faced by other townships in Solwezi.
And speaking earlier DTF representative Jackson Mulenga explained that his organization was formed to help commercial utilities in providing effective water supply and sanitation service delivery.
This is in order to improve the quality of life of people living in low income areas through financing sustainable and affordable sanitation services.
Mr Mulenga said his organization to date has provided funding to 11 commercial utilities in the country with financial support from KFW, DANIDA, GIZ, EU and the Australian AID.
He said DTF is committed to reach about 80,000 people in low income areas with sanitation services by 2015.
Mr Mulenga said the project cost KR2.2 million and will contribute to improving the lives of 1000 residents in the area.
He said the project included construction of sewerage treatment facilities and biogas plants that capture and release gas to households for cooking and heating water.
And North Western Water Supply and Sewerage Company Public Relations and Commercial Manager Mabvuto Tembo said the setting of the system was a great relief to the company.
He said the problem of sewer over spilling and blockages will now be an issue of the past.
Mr Tembo said the company is pleased that the project will go a long in addressing the challenges associated with water and sanitation service provision.
He appealed for further support in resolving other outstanding problems of water service provision in Solwezi and other towns in the province.
